U.S. patent application number 16/535620 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for system and tool for wireless retrieval of measured component data.
The applicant listed for this patent is Black & Decker Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary Hill, Christopher W. Lemieux, Andrew E. Seman, Matthew J. Velderman, Daniel J. White.
Application Number | 20190360516 16/535620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63039204 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190360516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White; Daniel J. ; et
al. |
November 28, 2019 |
System and Tool for Wireless Retrieval of Measured Component
Data
Abstract
A system for remotely retrieving sensed conditions at one or
more building components. The building components are remote or
numerous so that a wireless collection of the sensed conditions
provides a significant benefit to a builder or building operator. A
remote transceiver sends a wireless signal to a building component.
The building component includes an onboard transceiver. At least
some of the energy from the transmitted wireless signal is received
by the onboard transceiver, sent to a storage device, and stored
therein. The stored energy is used to operate a sensor for sensing
an onboard condition. The onboard condition is then wirelessly
transmitted by the onboard transceiver back to the remote
transceiver to be displayed.
Inventors: |
White; Daniel J.;
(Baltimore, MD) ; Velderman; Matthew J.;
(Baltimore, MD) ; Seman; Andrew E.; (Pylesville,
MD) ; Lemieux; Christopher W.; (Mount Airy, MD)
; Hill; Gary; (Red Lion, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Black & Decker Inc. |
New Britain |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63039204 |
Appl. No.: |
16/535620 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15892083 |
Feb 8, 2018 |
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16535620 |
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15840176 |
Dec 13, 2017 |
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15892083 |
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62456243 |
Feb 8, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/4121 20130101;
G01K 1/14 20130101; G01K 2215/00 20130101; F16B 31/028 20130101;
G01K 1/00 20130101; E04B 2001/2418 20130101; G01K 1/024 20130101;
E04B 1/2403 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; G01L 5/0004 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16B 31/02 20060101
F16B031/02; E04B 1/24 20060101 E04B001/24; G01L 5/00 20060101
G01L005/00; G01K 1/00 20060101 G01K001/00 |
Claims
1. A building component assembly for wirelessly retrieving a sensed
condition at a remote location comprising: an anchor connector
including a first end and a second end, the first end having a
first connector for connection to a concrete anchor and the second
end having a second connector for connection to a load to be
supported by the anchor, and a building component disposed on the
anchor connector, the building component including, an onboard
transceiver capable of one of sending and receiving a sensed
condition; an energy storage device; and a sensor for sensing a
condition at the remote location; wherein the onboard transceiver,
the storage device, and the sensor are capable of communicating
electrically with each other, wherein the onboard transceiver is
capable of receiving a wireless signal; wherein energy from the
wireless signal is capable of being received and stored in the
energy storage device, wherein the sensor is capable of using a
portion of the stored energy from the energy storage device to
sense a condition at the remote location, the sensor is capable of
generating a first signal related to the value of the sensed
condition, and the sensor is capable of sending the first signal to
the onboard transceiver, wherein the onboard transceiver is capable
of transmitting a second wireless signal related to the sensed
condition.
2. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the on board
transceiver is capable of receiving the wireless signal from a
network and the second wireless signal is capable of being
transmitted back to the network.
3. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein, the storage
device is a capacitor.
4. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein, the onboard
transceiver or a remote transceiver is capable of receiving and
transmitting wireless RFID signals.
5. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the building
component further includes an LED for visual indication.
6. The building component assembly of claim 1, where the building
component further includes a module; and wherein the onboard
transceiver, the energy storage device, and the sensor are
contained in the module.
7. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the module
is disk shaped.
8. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor
is one of a strain sensor, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor,
a pressure sensor, and an acceleration sensor.
9. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the shaft
assembly is made of metal.
10. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the
building component assembly is attachable in series between a
concrete anchor and a threaded rod.
11. The building component assembly of claim 1, wherein the
building component assembly is positioned between the first and
second connectors.
12. A building component assembly for wirelessly retrieving a
sensed condition at a remote location comprising: an anchor
connector including a first end and a second end, the first end
having a first connector for connection to a concrete anchor and
the second end having a second connector for connection to a load
to be supported by the anchor, and a building component disposed on
the anchor connector, the building component including, an onboard
transceiver capable of one of sending and receiving a sensed
condition; an energy storage device; and a sensor for sensing a
condition at the remote location; wherein the onboard transceiver,
the storage device, and the sensor are capable of communicating
electrically with each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 15/892,083 filed Feb. 8, 2018 which is a
continuation of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.
15/840,176 filed Dec. 13, 2017 and U.S. provisional application
62/456,243 filed Feb. 8, 2017 which claims priority from both, and
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In certain environments (e.g., a space station, a building
or construction site, a warehouse, a storage yard, etc.) it would
be desirable to know/confirm the existence of and/or a condition
(e.g., a physical condition) at a particular location in the
environment. Furthermore, as certain locations may be numerous or
inaccessible, it might be most convenient if the condition at the
particular location could be retrieved or gathered by a user
wirelessly when the location is a remote distance from the user.
For example, in a building or construction site it might be
desirable to know the load being borne by a particular load bearing
member. With respect to the borne load, a building inspector or
designer might like to remotely gather information about one or
more members (e.g., load bearing anchors) in order to confirm that
such members are being loaded within code permitted
parameters\limits. Alternatively, during construction of a
building, a contractor might desire to wirelessly collect
information regarding the presence or identity of certain members
and a condition (e.g., how much load those members are bearing or
if moisture is present) under which they exist in their various
locations. A designer (e.g., a structural designer) might even find
that he/she is able to design more efficiently and less
conservatively knowing that an exact or close to exact condition
(e.g., load being borne by) of the member can be determined. The
present invention to be described below includes a system for
wirelessly retrieving information about a sensed condition
(including the fact of existence of the physical object about which
the condition is being sought) at a remote location. For example,
when the retrieval system retrieves information about the existence
of elements, the retrieved information can be used to determine
installation progress during construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The system for wirelessly retrieving information about a
sensed condition at a remote location includes an onboard station
at the location and a RFID transceiver remote from the location.
The onboard station includes an onboard RFID transceiver capable of
receiving a wireless signal from the remote RFID transceiver, a
sensor for sensing the condition at the location and an energy
storage device for powering the sensor. Each of the onboard RFID
transceiver, the sensor, and the energy storage device are in
electrical communication with each other. An LED may also be
included in the onboard station. The LED would be energizable to
visually communicate information about the existence of the system
or the sensed condition. The electrical communication is such that
the onboard RFID transceiver receives energy via the wireless
signal transmitted from the remote RFID transceiver. The energy
storage device receives at least some of the energy received at the
onboard RFID transceiver and stores at least some of that energy.
The sensor receives and uses at least some of the stored energy in
order to sense the condition. The sensor generates a first signal
representing a value of the condition. The onboard RFID transceiver
receives the first signal and transmits a second wireless signal
which is received by the remote RFID transceiver.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, of which:
[0005] FIG. 1A shows a cross sectional view of a conventional
bang-in concrete deck cast in place anchor.
[0006] FIG. 1B shows a cross sectional view of a conventional wood
form cast in place anchor.
[0007] FIG. 1C shows a partial cross sectional view if a
conventional drop in wedge impact plug anchor.
[0008] FIG. 1D shows a side view of a conventional threaded
actuated wedge drop-in anchor.
[0009] FIG. 1E shows a side view of a conventional threaded screw
in concrete anchor.
[0010] FIG. 2A shows an anchor connector of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the anchor connector
of FIG. 2A.
[0012] FIG. 2C shows a side view of the anchor connector of FIG. 2A
further including a smart disk.
[0013] FIG. 2D shows a top perspective view of the smart disk of
FIG. 2C.
[0014] FIG. 2E shows a partial cross-sectional view of a drop-in
anchor including a flange configuration for securing a smart
disk.
[0015] FIG. 2F shows a partial cross-sectional view of a drop-in
anchor including a
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a remote anchor information retrieval system
for use with the anchor connector of FIG. 2A
[0017] FIG. 4A shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of
the smart disk of FIG. 2C.
[0018] FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of the disk of FIG.
4A.
[0019] FIG. 4C shows a side cross-sectional view of the disk of
FIG. 4A.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a wireless device of the present
invention displaying information sensed by the connector of FIG.
2A.
[0021] FIG. 6A shows a step diagram describing an embodiment of the
present invention operating based on a new re-broadcast method.
[0022] FIG. 6B shows a step diagram describing an embodiment of the
present invention operating based on a new Modulation method.
[0023] FIG. 7A shows a smart tool of the present invention being
used to install a bolt clothed with a smart washer.
[0024] FIG. 7B shows an enlarged top perspective view of the smart
washer of FIG. 7A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a conventional concrete decking precast
anchor 10 and a conventional wood form precast anchor 20
respectively. Both anchors 10 and 20 include a shoulder 12 on a
first end which extends radially outward so that when set in
concrete it resists pull-out. The anchors also include female
threads 16 on a second end for receiving a threaded support rod
after installation. An intermediate portion 14 is disposed between
shoulder 12 and threaded member 16. When set, both types of anchor
are secured in the cured concrete with an exposed connector 16
(e.g., a female thread). The female thread 16 is now able to
receive an object (e.g., a threaded hanger rod). The hanger rod may
be secured to the concrete via the anchor at one end and to a
building component at the other end. Building components to be
secured to the concrete may include building conduit for supporting
various building systems (e.g., fire, HVAC, electrical, etc.).
[0026] In addition to the above mentioned cast in place anchors,
the present invention relates to drop in anchors of the type shown
in cross-section in FIG. 1C. A drop-in anchor 30 is placed after
concrete setting. A hole 32 (e.g., cylindrical) is drilled in the
concrete. Drop-in anchor 30 (e.g., cylindrical in shape) is then
inserted into hole 32. The anchors usually include a well know
wedge mechanism which when actuated, forces radially expandable
portions 31 of the anchor outward into contact with the walls of
the drilled concrete hole 32 to wedge anchor 30 into hole 32.
Similar to the cast in place anchors 10, 20 described above, a
connector (e.g., a threaded female connector) is exposed for
connection to a support member (e.g., a threaded rod). Certain
conventional features of the above types of concrete anchors are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,240,697; 4,211,048; 5,593,261;
6,652,207 and 3,769,774, each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a smart anchor connector or smart
connector 100. Smart connector 100 includes a first end 102 and a
second end 104 through which a central longitudinal axis A-A
passes. At first end 102 of connector 100 is a threaded portion 120
(e.g., male thread) which can be threadably connected to the female
connectors of the anchors 10, 20, 30 of FIG. 1. A lower portion of
connector 120 may include a bearing surface 130. At second end 104
of connector 100 is a threaded female connector 150 shown in FIG.
2. Connector 100 includes a hollow cylinder 140 at a second 140.
The wall surface forming the hollow portion of the cylinder is the
same female threaded surface of as threaded connector 150. An
intermediate portion 160 extends between threaded connectors 120
and 150. Also between threaded connectors 120 and 150 is a
projection 180 (e.g., radial projection). Radial projection 180 can
includes a center bearing 170 that shares a central axis with
longitudinal axis A-A. Radial projection 180 also includes an outer
edge 181, a top surface 183 and a bottom surface 182.
[0028] When threaded connector 120 of connector 100 is connected to
the threaded female connector 16 of anchors 10, 20 or 30, threaded
female connector 150 is exposed for receiving a threaded rod that
would have otherwise been received by the female threaded openings
in anchors 10, 20, and 30. Therefore, in operation connector 100 is
positioned between and/or in series with anchors 10, 20, or 30 and
the threaded support rod. When the threaded rod is connected
directly to anchors 10, 20, or 30, load from the threaded rod is
transferred from the rod to anchors 10, 20, or 30 and then to the
concrete. On the other hand, when connector 100 is placed between
anchors 10, 20, or 30 and the threaded rod, load (e.g., tension
load) from the rod is transferred through smart connector 100 to
anchors 10, 20, or 30 and then to the concrete.
[0029] Anchors 10, 20, 30 may also be redesigned so that after
setting, female threads 16 are countersunk below the concrete
surface. Such countersinking would allow a connector 100 to also be
at least partially countersunk in the concrete if so desired. For
example, anchor 20 may also include a bottom 19 against which
anchor 20 rests on a wood form during and after installation, but
before the wood form is stripped. Furthermore, anchor 20 includes a
seat 17 on which shoulder 12 rests after shoulder 12 is impacted
(e.g., by a hammer). The length of thread 16 and the pre-set
distance between shoulder 12 and seat 17 may be adjusted such that
after installation, threads 16 do not extend all the way to bottom
19. If threads 16 stop short of bottom 19 after installation, a
void in the concrete is maintained between the thread and the
surface of the concrete so that connector 100 may be received in
the void and at least partially counter sunk in the concrete after
attachment to anchor 20.
[0030] Smart connector 100 may include a sensor thereon for sensing
a condition at the anchor (e.g., a physical condition, or load)
that passes through the anchor. For example, that load may be
measured by a strain gauge positioned on smart connector 100. The
gauge may be positioned to measured strain/load at an intermediate
portion 160 of connector 100 between the male threaded connector
120 and the female threaded connector 150. In one embodiment, it
may be convenient to reduce the dimensions (e.g., radial or
cross-sectional) of intermediate portion 160 with respect to
threaded connectors 120, 150 in order to amplify or best sense the
strain experienced by the intermediate portion and therefore the
load being transferred through the system to the concrete.
Therefore, after installation, an exact amount of load being
transferred through anchors 10, 20, 30 can be determined and know.
It should also be noted that in addition to a tensile strain, a
compressive strain can also be the basis of a load calculation when
a compressive load is induced in a portion of anchor 10, 20, or 30
or connector 100.
[0031] As discussed above, installed anchor systems frequently
include components that are too remote or too numerous to easily
collect the determined load information. Therefore, the present
specification contemplates a wireless system for remotely
retrieving actual anchor load information. FIG. 2C shows a washer
or smart washer 200. Washer 200 can include the RFID transceiver,
the sensor, and/or the storage device of the system of FIG. 3. When
one of these elements is absent from washer 200, the element may be
located on the anchor in proximity to washer 200 so that it can
communicate electrically with washer 200. Smart washer 200 is disk
or washer shaped but could take on any convenient form depending on
the structure of the anchor on to which it is yoked or connected.
FIG. 3 shows washer 200 including an inner wall surface 210
defining a washer inner diameter and an outer wall surface 210
having an outer washer diameter. Washer 200 may also include a
thickness of a dimension that is significantly less than the outer
surface diameter. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, washer 200
sits on a top support surface 183 of projection 180 and is radially
secured by a center bearing 170. The location of washer 200 on
surface 183 is in proximity to intermediate portion 160 so that
washer 200 may receive an electrical signal from a strain gauge 162
located at intermediate portion 160.
[0032] FIG. 2D shows a drop-in anchor 40 for dropping into a
drilled concrete hole 41. Drop-in anchor includes a shaft 45 and a
head 44. Head 44 includes a flange 43 for securing a structural
member 50 to the concrete 39. Shaft 45 includes female threaded
wedge 46 for receiving a threaded member attached to head 44. Legs
48 of shaft 45 expand outward when head 44 is rotated to pull wedge
46 toward head 44. Expanded legs 48 engage walls of hole 41 to
secure anchor 40 in hole 41. Flange 43 may include an axial
extension 42 that engages and transfers load between flange 43 and
the object 50 to be secured to the concrete. Shaft 45 may pass
through washer 200 and flange 43 may extend over washer 200 to
secure washer 200 without placing washer 200 in the load path. A
sensor (e.g., strain gauge) can be disposed along the shaft. For
example, a strain gauge may be disposed between legs 48 and flange
43 through which tension load will be transferred between the
structure 50 and flange 43. FIG. 2E shows a similar drop-in
embodiment except that flange 47 is step shaped to define a recess
for receiving and securing washer 200 without placing washer 200 in
the load path. FIGS. 2D and 2E disclose shaft 45 that includes a
wedge fastening mechanism for securing anchor 40 in hole 41.
Instead, a convention screw type fastener may be substituted
instead for shaft 45. When a screw mechanism is used the sensor 49
need only be placed between the flange 43 and the portion of shaft
45 where the threads make contact with the concrete. For example, a
fastener having an unthreaded portion between the threaded shaft
and flange 43 is contemplated. A sensor may be positioned at the
unthreaded portion.
[0033] As discussed below, washer 200 is capable of wirelessly
transmitting load, anchor identity and other sensed information
(e.g., temperature, moisture content, wireless information from
another anchor, etc.) to a remote site for processing and review.
Furthermore, information from multiple connectors 100 may be
wirelessly transmitted back from the various anchor elements 10,
20, 30 or connectors 100 to a remote processor or network processor
for processing and generating useful information. The wireless
transmission back may be directly from an anchor to the processor
or to the processor from an anchor via another anchor. For example,
remote electronic processors/displays may include BIM data and/or
graphics for showing the actual BIM location or layout of or
identity/ownership of sensed anchors and the loads on each anchor
may be provided. FIG. 5 shows a possible wireless handheld display
500 (discussed in greater detail below) displaying graphics
representing a facility site (e.g., construction site) and actual
BIM locations of construction components (e.g., anchors) with
attributes (e.g., sensed conditions) associated therewith.
[0034] While the above remote anchor condition sensing system
includes both an anchor 10, 20, or 30 and a connector 100, the
sensing and transmission features of an anchor system may be
entirely incorporated into one and not the other. In other words,
the above sensing and transmission features may be directly
incorporated into an anchor 10, 20, or 30. Alternatively, a
structure similar to connector 100 may be set directly in concrete
(i.e., without being connected to an anchor 10, 20, 30) in much the
same way anchors 10, 20, 30 are set in concrete.
[0035] For example, when connector 100 is set directly in concrete
a bearing surface 130 engages the concrete to trap and anchor the
connector/anchor against pull-out of the concrete. The dimensions
of surface 130 may be varied to ensure adequate trapping strength.
A durable, compressible, or flexible member 190 may be disposed
adjacent an edge of projection 180 opposite bearing surface 130.
Flex member 190 prevents concrete from approaching the space
adjacent bottom surface 182. As a result, when load is applied to
the threads of connector 150, connector 100 experiences strain
between connector 150 and bearing surface 130. Therefore, as
connector 150 is loaded, projection 180 is displaced relative to
bearing surface 130 in the B direction as shown in FIG. 2B. That
displacement includes a corresponding compression of flex member
190.
[0036] In an alternate embodiment, when anchors 10, 20, 30
incorporate sensing and transmission features, no connector 100
need be included. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1A, anchor 10
includes a shoulder 12 which when set in concrete resists pull-out.
Anchor 10 also includes female threads 16 for receiving a threaded
support rod after installation. An intermediate portion 14 is
disposed between shoulder 12 and threaded member 16. Intermediate
portion may include a reduced diameter portion. For example, such a
reduction may facilitate the amplification of strain to make load
calculation easier, more pronounced, or more accurate. A strain
gauge can be disposed at the intermediate portion 14 and a smart
disk 200 may be positioned on deck stop 18. As in the above
embodiments, smart disk 200 receives electrical signals from anchor
sensors (e.g., strain gauges, temperature sensors, pressure
sensors, moisture sensors, etc.) representing the sensed condition
and transmits those conditions back to a network or remote central
processing station.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a remote anchor information retrieval system
300 operating at an installation site 310 where multiple anchors
330 are installed in a facility (e.g., in a building ceiling). Each
anchor 330 includes an electronic module 340 which includes a
transceiver 342, a capacitor 344, and a sensor 346. System 300 also
includes a transceiver 350 that may be handheld.
[0038] The system of FIG. 3 is capable of remotely retrieving a
sensed condition at a remote location and includes an electronic
module or onboard station 340 at the location where condition
sensing is necessary and a RFID transceiver 350 remote from the
location. The onboard station includes an onboard RFID transceiver
342 capable of receiving a wireless signal from the remote RFID
transceiver 350, a sensor 346 (e.g., a strain gauge) for sensing
the condition (e.g., an anchor strain) at the location and an
energy storage device 344 (e.g., a capacitor) for powering sensor
346. Each of the onboard RFID transceiver 342, the sensor 346, and
the energy storage device 344 are in electrical communication with
each other. The electrical communication is such that the onboard
RFID transceiver 342 receives energy via the wireless signal 352
transmitted from the remote RFID transceiver 350. At least some of
the energy received by onboard RFID transceiver 342 is communicated
to energy storage device 344 which receives and stores at least
some of that energy. Sensor 346 receives and consumes at least some
of that stored energy in order to sense the condition (e.g., the
strain). Sensor 346 also generates a first signal representing a
value of the sensed condition. Onboard RFID transceiver 342 then
receives the first signal and transmits a second wireless signal
354 which is in turn received back by remote RFID transceiver 350.
As mentioned, second signal 354 is received by remote transceiver
350 which could be one of multiple gateways to a network including
other elements. Second signal 354 can then be processed by the
remote RFID transceiver 350 or by another processor in the wireless
network to determine a value of the actual condition. The actual
condition value can then be displayed on the remote RFID
transceiver 350 or at another device in the wireless network.
[0039] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4A-4C, smart disk 400 is
similar to smart disk 200 except that smart disk 400 includes a
stud connector 440. Specifically, smart disk 400 includes a disk
420 connected to a connector 440 made of a resilient or flexible
material. Connector 440 may be selectively connectable to and
disconnectable from disk 420. Connector 440 also includes a central
opening, is tubular and/or frustoconical in shape, and is adapted
to be secured to a shaft-type structure (e.g., shaft-type anchor).
Connector 440 includes a first end 422 that is connected to disk
420 and a second end 444 cantilevered from and disposed a distance
from disk 442. The first end 442 of connector 440 has a diameter
and the second end 444 has a second diameter that is smaller than
first diameter. Therefore, disk 400 includes a central passage
through both disk 420 and connector 440. Smart disk 400 is
connected to studs or shafts by inserting the shaft into central
passage. When the inserted shaft is slightly smaller than the
diameter of the connector's first end 442 and larger than the
diameter of the connector's second end 444, connector 440 will
friction fit snuggly on the shaft.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a display 500 including a wireless receiver
(e.g., blue tooth, wi-fi, etc.) in a wireless network. Display 500
can display a CAD building layout (i.e., from BIM data) showing
installed smart anchors (i.e., the existence of an anchor at a
particular location) to communicate a completion fraction or
percentage. Display 500 can also show other sensed conditions such
as temperatures, pressures, moisture content, anchor load, etc.
Furthermore, installed anchors shown on displayed 500 including
smart disks 200 or 400 may display other characteristics such as
ownership of anchors (e.g., fire, electrical, HVAC, etc.) or type
of anchors (e.g., drip in or cast in place).
[0041] The station or module 340 onboard the anchor or washer 200
may also include an LED 348 powered by the energy storage device
344. LED 348 may be energized when certain conditions are met.
Furthermore, onboard RFID transceiver 342 is able to receive a
wireless signal 352 from remote transceiver 350 or another device
in the wireless network of a condition which, if met, would
energize led 348 which could be noticed by a user from a location
remote from the anchor (e.g., light up all HVAC anchors bearing
more than 30 lbs load). Furthermore, various color schemes or
blinking patterns on display 500 could be used to further indicate
various conditions or combinations of conditions. Furthermore, if
the condition is met, an image on the display 500 might be pulsed
at the location of the CAD image construction site so that the user
will be alerted specifically which anchors meet the condition and
where they are on the construction CAD drawing.
[0042] The present invention also contemplates a system of
associating a unique anchor with a specific actual location on the
job site and on a CAD building drawing. As discussed above, each
anchor includes a unique wirelessly retrievable RFID identification
code. That code can be associated with a specific actual 3D
location on the job site either during anchor installation before
the concrete is poured or after concrete curing. The process can be
accomplished by pre-assigning an actual location to each uniquely
coded anchor before installation begins and making sure to
accurately place the anchors in their designated locations. The
mapped RFID codes and locations can then be uploaded to the BIM
software. This process is feasible, but could be time consuming and
prone to installer error.
[0043] On the other hand, if a system included a mechanism/device
(e.g., remote transceiver 350) for tracking an actual position of
an item and that system was also able to superimpose that tracked
actual position on CAD drawings a simpler anchor location mapping
scheme than described in the previous method could be devised.
Patent application Nos. 62/370,292 filed on Aug. 3, 2016; Ser. No.
14/928,470 filed on Oct. 30, 2015; 61/666,115, filed on Jun. 29,
2012, and Ser. No. 13/923,710, filed on Jun. 21, 2013, now pending
are related to tool or component location, are owned by Applicant,
and are each incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0044] Based on this incorporated disclosure, an RFID scanning
device (e.g., remote transceiver 350) could be fitted with a tag so
that the actual location (e.g., 3D location or 2D and floor
location (e.g., 3.sup.rd floor)) of the scanner device 350 could be
determined. When the scanner communicates with a network, a scan of
an anchor while the scanner is in proximity to the anchor can
automatically link a unique anchor code to an actual location by
knowing the location of the scanner and reading the unique RFID
code of the anchor. That data set can then be uploaded to the
network to display the mapped information (e.g., superimposed on
CAD building drawings). When the location of the scanner is close
to multiple anchor locations as set out in the BIM design data, the
system can map the uniquely scanned anchor code to the closest
anchor location. Furthermore, a visible LED may light up onboard
the anchor to indicate that the location of the scanner is now
associated/mapped with the location of the lighted anchor. As
mentioned above, the process of mapping the unique anchor code with
the scanner/anchor location could be done before or after concrete
placement. In any case, the process of scanning and mapping can be
repeated after concrete setting to update any inaccurate
information.
[0045] Moreover, the present invention contemplates a network of
wireless intercommunication among onboard transceivers of multiple
anchors at multiple remote locations, multiple remote transceivers,
multiple displays, and multiple data processors for processing the
retrieved information. Information from each anchor being
associated with that anchors unique code so that each anchor's
information maintains its identity as information passes among
network components. Ultimately, the transmission range may be
reduced to the closest adjacent anchor. A transmitting and
receiving network among area building components can increase the
range and performance of the wireless condition retrieval system.
Furthermore, network transmitting and receiving signal boosters may
be positioned permanently throughout the relevant construction site
or via a temporary system (e.g., a portable system wireless
networking system as disclosed in U.S. patent application No.
62/370,292).
[0046] The foregoing embodiments contemplate building construction
components fitted with electronics to measure loads on and in
construction components. More specifically, those loads can be
applied to a construction component in various ways. For example,
loads can be applied by suspending an item (e.g., a pipe) from or
fastening an item to a building component (e.g., a concrete
anchor). In the latter case, a threaded nut is torqued onto the
threaded end of a building component (e.g., a concrete anchor
bolt). A bearing surface of the nut engages a surface of the object
to be secured and as the nut is tightened the building component
(e.g., the concrete anchor bolt) is tensioned so that the tension
of the bolt via the nut surface loads the objects surface to secure
the anchor immovably to the concrete.
[0047] As discussed herein, the construction component (e.g., the
concrete anchor bolt) may include a module for housing electronics.
The module may be disk shaped and the electronics may include a
transceiver, an energy storage device, and a sensor. Therefore, the
sensor may be a strain gauge housed in a disk shaped module such as
a smart disk 200 including the same features as the washer 700
shown in FIG. 7B. This sensor in washer 700 is then able to sense
and measure the tension, compression or strain developed in the
concrete anchor bolt (e.g., bolts shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F). This
strain is detected when washer 700 is compressed between the nut or
bolt head and the object to be secured as the bolt is tightened
with a torque applying device such as a torque wrench hand tool or
a torque wrench power tool. Specifically, the washer is compressed
in the direction of the thickness of the washer or in the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the bolt around which the washer is
trapped. Projections 717 may house electronic components (e.g.,
strain gauge). Such wireless transmission systems of smart washer
700 may be active (e.g., battery powered) or passive (e.g., able to
operate with energy from outside the washer 700 or only energy from
outside the washer 700). Washer 700 is then able to receive signals
containing information to be stored in the washer (e.g., bolt
tension, worker identity, date of completion, etc.), receive
signals requesting stored information, and transmit stored and
sensed information back to a remote communication device for
further processing and/or display. For example, washer 700 may
receive and store information related to the target bolt tension
and then transmit that stored tension value back to a tool during a
present or future installation or maintenance.
[0048] In a building construction component such as a concrete
anchor, bolt tension is developed between one bolt end that is
anchored in concrete and another end that is anchored via a nut 44
to the structural member or object 50 to be secured to the concrete
pad. The smart washer 700 of the present invention may also be
utilized in an application where a building component (e.g., a bolt
705) is to securely hold two or more objects 750 together (e.g., a
nut 707 and bolt 705 holding two structural steel members 750
together). The reliability and security of such building
construction component connections may depend on maintaining a
minimum tension in bolt 705 between the bolt head 710 and the nut
707. Such building components may employ a special smart bolt 705
that includes a sensor 706 and/or may utilize a sensor in smart
washer 700 of the present invention. Smart washer 700 could be
located at, adjacent to, or against head 710 or nut 707 bearing
surfaces between the head 710 and the building member (e.g., the
first structural steel building member) or the between the nut 707
and the building member (i.e., the second structural steel building
member).
[0049] The present invention contemplates smart tools 720 that may
communicate directly with one or more smart washers 700 or
communicate indirectly with one or more smart washers 700 via a
wireless system of computers and smart washers 700. Conventional
methods of installing building components securely (i.e.,
installation with sufficient bolt tension and no more) use hand and
power tools equipped with gauges (e.g., strain gauges) for torque
sensing the amount of torque being applied to a nut during the
installation tightening process. The user sets the tool's torque
limit manually and when the appropriate or maximum torque is
reached, tightening is suspended. In the case of a torque wrench,
mechanical slipping occurs so that the installer is unable to apply
excess torque.
[0050] When such indirect methods are used, torque applied to the
head 710 or nut 707 has to be translated/converted into tension in
the bolt by estimate together with potential conversion
inaccuracies. Therefore, unlike the conventional methods, the
present invention smart disk 700 determines more directly (and in
real time) the tension in bolt 705. Therefore, smart tools 720 that
read bolt tension directly can be used to more directly,
effectively and accurately install and maintain building components
to the required building code tensions. Furthermore, more than one
smart washer 700 may be utilized for redundancy in sensitive
situations.
[0051] For example, the compression experienced by smart washer 700
may be directly and/or proportionally converted into actual bolt
tension and transmitted back to the tool 720 (i.e., hand or powered
tool) periodically or continuously. An installer may tighten a nut
707 periodically remembering to check a visual display on the tool
that shows bolt tension to determine when to cease tightening.
Alternatively, tool 720 may broadcast an audible alert to
communicate to the installer that the maximum or target torques is
nearing and/or reached. Furthermore, a visual display such as light
(e.g., and LED) on the tool or a light on or from smart washer 700
may serve as an indication that a particular bolt tension level has
been or is about to be reached. Furthermore, the tool control
system (sensing the target tension is reached) may automatically
send a slow or stop signal to the motor to slow or stop the tool
from tightening when the target bolt tension is reached. In a hand
tool such as a torque wrench, a wireless signal 702 may be sent
from smart washer 700 to tool 720 to trigger the mechanical
slipping that prevents further torque transmission. Any combination
of the above notifications to the user or tool may be used in any
combination and cumulatively.
[0052] As discussed above, each smart washer 700 on a construction
site may communicate information to a wireless network and/or to a
computer to generate and present useful information wirelessly and
remotely. For example, on a given day (e.g., inspection day) an
inspector may transmit a request to a set of smart washer 700
installed bolts on a structure (e.g., a bridge structure). Each
washer 700 could transmit back to the network the desired
information (e.g., bolt tension, installer, moisture condition,
temperature, etc.). That information may be processed and shown on
a display 500 in any useful desired manner. For example, a visual
display of the bolts 705 in their actual relative locations that is
color coded to show bolt tensions. For example, green bolts are
within acceptable tension tolerance, yellow bolts are within a
second tolerance range, and red bolts are out of range (i.e., too
little tension).
[0053] Furthermore, a building construction component history
(e.g., a bolt history) may be maintained over the life of the
structure. The history may take into consideration the data
collected during each inspection and recommendations made (e.g.,
about maintenance, bolt replacement, etc.) based on predetermined
criterion. Therefore, in a subsequent inspection, targeted bolt
specific maintenance may be performed based on the collected and
stored historical data.
[0054] In addition, after inspection, for example, a maintenance
person equipped with one of the smart torqueing/tensioning tools
720 discussed above could send a request signal to one or a group
of bolted smart washers 700 within reach. An LED 715 could retrieve
the bolt tension data for each and light up on any washer 700
having an out of range tension. Bolted washers 700 out of the
tension range and discovered during inspection would be visually
identified for maintenance (i.e., replacing or retightening). An
audible signal from the smart disk could be used to accomplish the
same notification. The maintenance person can then use the smart
tool 720 to tighten the bolts as described above. Furthermore, a
unique bolt ID can be retrieved from the washer so that the tool
automatically knows the target torque to stop at if a group of
bolts have different required bolt tensions.
[0055] The hand tool could be a wrench type tool and the hand tool
can be any convenient type torque driver such as an impact type
driver. The power tool can be pneumatically powered or powered by
an electric motor. The power tool transmitter may share the same
power source with the electric motor or have a dedicated power
source. The power tool may be a pistol grip type torque driver with
a trigger for electrically connecting the battery to the electric
motor. As discussed above the control system sending a stop signal
to the electric motor or air supply valve in a pneumatic tool to
end torque transmission when the target torque is reached
regardless of whether the trigger is depressed.
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